James "Jim" Murray Theis, 76, passed away suddenly on May 20, 2025, at his home in Big Canoe, Georgia. His final days were spent happily in the loving company of his adoring wife, Dianne, much as they had been during their 52-year marriage.

Jim was born on June 19, 1948, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to John and Catherine Theis. His childhood years were spent in Gardner with his parents and older brothers, Joe and Jack. Despite their shared hometown and church, Sacred Heart, Jim and Dianne's paths wouldn't cross until a school break in December 1970, when their beautiful love story began. Jim and Dianne knew almost immediately that they wanted to be together forever and were undoubtedly the love of each other's lives.

Jim followed in his dad's footsteps as he joined the United States Naval Academy as part of the Class of 1971. A beloved and respected company-mate in the 32nd Company, Jim completed a Surface Navy tour as a Gunnery Officer aboard the USS Albert David during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star. During his 9-year military service, Jim also completed flight training and earned Wings of Gold in Pensacola, Florida, flew P3s, and served as an ROTC instructor at Iowa State.

It was during a leave from flight training on July 2, 1972, that Jim and Dianne were married in their hometown. Jim and Dianne happily welcomed their first daughter, Kristi, in 1974. In the years that followed, they welcomed daughters Lisa, Kate, and Laura. Following his release from active duty, Jim had a long and successful leadership journey in Human Resources with ARCO, Ernst & Young, The Coca-Cola Company, and Delta Airlines. This journey took Jim, Dianne, and their four girls on many adventures from Maine to California, and several states in between. His loyalty and dedication to his work never overshadowed his loyalty and dedication to his family.

After his retirement from Delta, Jim and Dianne enjoyed many activities together, including golfing with friends in both Big Canoe and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Family was his priority, with travel often centered around spending time with Dianne, his daughters, 3 sons-in-law (Danny, Brian, and Josh), and 7 grandchildren (Ryan, Alex, Julia, Zoë, Mila, Ben, and Sam). A recent highlight was a trip to Jackson, Wyoming, where the entire family made lasting memories as they celebrated Jim and Dianne's 50th anniversary.

As his grandson Ben shared, Pops will be missed for his laugh, funny Donald Duck impression, and life stories. As many who knew Jim/Pops would say, he will be missed for his kind heart, selflessness, loyalty, thoughtful advice, positive outlook, tendency to sneak just one more cookie from the cookie jar, and so much more.

A public funeral mass and reception will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 11 am at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Dawsonville, Georgia. A private family interment with military honors will follow at a later time at the Georgia National Cemetery. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to Honor Flight Networ k or American Heart Association .